Does anyone have suggestions for people or shows for me to see in
Tucson for buying nice quality rough and slabs? I am a hobbyist with
aspirations and would love to bring home some great pieces to work
with.

I will be in Tucson Feb 7 and 8

Sadly, I don’t think I will be able be in Tucson to attend the
Orchid dinner…but who knows, maybe I will have the opportunity to
try and get in the door at the last minute!

Try the Tuscon Electric Park. They have the best rough selection. Val
Latham will be showing there with a considerable collection of slabs
and rough. You also might look up El Paso Rock Shop. They show at on
of the hotels on the west side of I-10. Mario and his gang are rather
rough and tumble, but they have tons of rough.

If referring to the new South African mine of amethyst & citrine, we
sold the lot day one. We will have production to supply a
manufacturer the size of Rio Grande shortly. We are buying
additional mining machinery.

I will be happy to visit with rough and cut samples in several
months. Gems & Gemology should be publishing an article soon.